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Gloucester's plan to treat, not arrest addicts, proving successful

At least 35 addicts have voluntarily surrendered to police to get help

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Updated: 11:36 PM EDT Jul 8, 2015

Gloucester's plan to treat, not arrest addicts, proving successful

At least 35 addicts have voluntarily surrendered to police to get help

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Updated: 11:36 PM EDT Jul 8, 2015

GLOUCESTER, Mass. —

The Gloucester Police Department started an initiative in May that sends addicts to treatment if they voluntarily surrender rather than get arrested and said they received great news from the first person to take advantage of the program.

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Gloucester police said they received word Wednesday that the first person to go to treatment has been sober for 30 days and is looking to start similar programs, like the one started in Gloucester, where he lives.

"We continue to encourage persons with addiction to come in and get help," Gloucester police Chief Leonard Campanello said. "There are no catches. We feel this program is the first day of the last recovery process a person with addiction will go through."

Campanello said every addict who walks into the police station looking for help will receive it until they feel as though they no longer want it.

"We know there will be setback for people. We don't care. Come back. You're still in recovery. We know some people will relapse. We will not judge you. Come back," Campanello said.

Since the start of the initiative last month, Gloucester police have taken in 35 people, struggling with addiction.

Gloucester police said several other police departments in Massachusetts have followed their lead and will announce plans to meet the needs of their own communities.